Get Behind the Boys in the Bush!

Here in Queensland laws are being discussed which are going to really affect the farming/ grazing community if they are passed. I find it hard to believe that our government is so short sighted and so undervalues the primary producers. They are the back bone of our country. Already so many industries are crumbling under the stresses of a diving economy and the powers that be have foolishly opened our country to produce from other countries which is crippling us.

Get behind our farmers and graziers. Listen to them! These men have been working and loving and being stewards of this great land for many years. Give them a break!

Most of my relatives on both sides are on the land. I was born and raised on a Central Queensland property. I am proud to see some of my younger relations still working the land, taking up the push for a "fair go in the bush!" A new site is just launched today as part of the ongoing protest against these laws. Life Source Queensland. We need the urban based population to get informed and support your rural brothers and sisters and Australian produce.

Despite these concerns and the economy and the threat of Swine Flu, the big event of the Central Queensland calendar starts on Monday, Beef Expo 2009! See you in the city of bulls.

An End to April

April has been a very busy month. It seems that every month is a busy one these years.

We had a week without internet because our security shut us down. Neither hubby or I are very computer savvy and we were getting all sorts of nasty messages about the virus we had. Something akin to swine flu in cyber space it seems. When we finally got things sorted out we were quite proud of ourselves for a couple of old geezers! We reformatted our computer and installed all the bits and pieces. I had even made CD copies of all my family history stuff which was my greatest concern last time we had had a disaster. Now we seem to be going along smoothly again.

One thing I realised being "off line" for a week. I can get along happily without my computer. I confess to checking my emails twice at an Internet Cafe in that time :o) and while there I published the Anzac post on my Grandad which I had drafted. I did not however, miss the blog and my regular reading gigs too much though it's been great to catch up today. Why I'm stressing all of that is that I have some concerns about getting hooked on the internet, particularly blogging and I've been careful to pace myself a little.

I am also involved in two team blogs. One with some of my high school class, and one a family site. The family blog is really great, only begun recently. But for some years I have been taking up the mantel of family historian from the aging generation so this is a good spot for keeping up with one another but also for me to share some of the stuff I am doing with family heritage.

Through all this busy month, the Lord has been very near. I am so thankful for the close and good relationships I am enjoying with family old and young. My own health is not so great and I am needing some more tests over the next couple of weeks. This is always a good reminder that our times are in His hands and to seize the day.

"So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom." Psalm 90 : 12

Screamin' Funny!

So easily entertained!

My second grandson screaming with laughter at his silly uncle.

Baby with Balloons

My older little grandson having a lovely time with the balloons at a family birthday gathering.

To the Great War..

My paternal grandfather joined the Australian Army in 1915.

After training in Egypt he saw active service in France. Then after injury, he convalesced in England. He sure saw a lot of the world for a quiet boy from the Australian bush!

We are so thankful that Grandad, after WW1 and other relatives on both sides of the family,after WW2, returned home. Many brave Australian men served for King and country and some alas, did not return.

We do not glory in war. We do not celebrate Anzac Day so much as honour the men who fought in our defence and remember those who paid the ultimate price by loosing their lives.

We are thankful to God for his protection of our country and mourn that so many have turned their backs on him. May we be a country where God is feared and worshipped, and may there be peace for our children.
The boys and I were moved by the dawn service today and stirred by the march past.
Lest We Forget

Lest we Forget.....

Anzac Day is a national public holiday in Australia and New Zealand, and is commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. (Wikipedia).

On ANZAC day we remember all Australian men and women who served our country in time of war. Army, Navy, Air force and Medical personnel.

The Aussie Slouch hat with the emu plume of the Australian Light Horse (for which I have a special affection and family connection).

They shall not grow old as we that are left grow old; Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning. We will remember them.

Lest We Forget

Anzac Day ..... 25 April

This is a good site that the boys and I have been making use of this week as we are doing a theme on "Anzac Day". http://www.anzacsite.gov.au/ If you are reading this and are not familiar with this well loved and honoured day on the Australian calendar, have a look.



We will never know the reasons why our brave boys were sent to land on this rough and hostile piece of coast, why they were left there so long in an unwinnable situation, but we do know that many lives were lost, heroes were recognised and a legend/ tradition was born which lies deep in the hearts of all Aussies. The Anzacs have all passed now but their memory lingers long in the national memory and evokes a pride and national patriotism not seen in regards to many things here.

Being young boys, mine seem far more interested in weaponry and gallantry than the more emotional or factual details. But we will attend the Dawn service (marking the dawn landing in 1915) and the March as always.



Top left: John Simpson and his donkey. He is remembered for his bravery in bringing many wounded men out of the battle field. The lines which were drawn on that first day, 25 April, 1915, between the Anzacs and the Turks never shifted in the eight months of the campaign.

Search me Oh Lord...

What do you expect when you go to worship on the Lord's Day?

Do you go to "enjoy" the service? to be entertained? for food or fellowship?

Often we are looking for something to satisfy ourselves and forgetting that this is The Lord's Day. We are in fact meant to be delighting in it but the focus and worship should be on God and not on self.

I was thinking about that coming home from the service last night. I am very blessed to have a minister who really challenges us to walk back into the week taking up the call to live holy lives. To live out our convictions instead of simply mouthing them. I do love to fellowship with the people of God, and often my spiritual tank is filled up but often too, the message is full of inspiration, challenge, and soul searching. Am I glorifying God? Do I have the zeal which the amazing doctrines of grace should enliven in me? Am I a witness for my precious Lord and Saviour? Do I really live as one one who knows that he has died for me.

Sometimes, it is just not easy to search my heart on matters I might rather sweep under the carpet.

As Pastor moved on in Matthew 5 in the morning we looked at verses 11 & 12. Our witness is distinctive, different. So, am I?......Distinctive, different? Sometimes we do not feel persecution because we are holding back and trying not to look different, trying to fit in with the world. Am I trying too hard to be liked?

Then in the evening looking at 1 John verses 4-6. The abomination of sin, The solution for sin, (found in Christ!) and The resolution against sin, I was stricken again by this message of -how then ought we to live?

Both sermons were detailed and I could share a lot more from my notes, by I am writing now the thoughts I jotted last night. Such a conviction of my slackness and loosing sight of the goal. A friend once used the term "running after the Lord". I like that picture. My walk at times is just too slow and without the zeal and commitment it should have in running the race.

So if I had rolled into worship yesterday to be entertained I would have left disappointed! Thankfully, my eyes and ears and heart were directed toward God and I am not at all let down.

If you are reading this then ask yourself the same questions.

How then ought we to live?

PSALM 19

Unspotted is the fear of God,

and doth endure forever;

the judgements of the Lord are true
and righteous all together.

They more than gold,yea,much fine gold,

to be desired are:

Than honey, honey from the comb

that droppeth, sweeter far.

Moreover, they thy servant warn

how he his life should frame:

A great reward provided is

for them that keep the same.

Who can his errors understand?

O cleanse thou me within

From secret faults. Thy servant keep

from all presumptuous sin:

And do not suffer them to have

dominion over me:

then, righteous and innocent,

I from much sin shall be.

The words which from my mouth proceed,

the thoughts sent from my heart,

Accept, O Lord, for thou my strength

and my redeemer art.

Psalm 19: 9 - 14

(Scottish Metrical Version)

I Dreamed a Dream....This is Stunning!

This is really moving - grab your tissues!
I am linking to Voddie Baucham's Truth in Love blog.
Enjoy....

http://www.voddiebaucham.org/vbm/Blog/Entries/2009/4/16_Susan_Boyle_Shocks_simon_Cowell_on_Britain%E2%80%99s_Got_Talent.html

I Received my UBP Prize Today!

Remember back in March, the Ultimate Blog Party?

Today I received my book prize from the lovely "The Narrow Gate Invites" girls. It is "Women of Passions", Ordinary Women Serving an Extraordinary God, by Janet Ross and Jeanice McDade.

Thanks Julie, Kim and Maria! Of course I haven't read it yet but I hope to get to that soon and will review it then. Thanks you for going to the trouble of sending this to Australia.

Sweetest Friend

Thank you MamaArcher, this is my first award! You have really made my day :o) I have appreciated your blog very much, the day to day of your family life and the deeper insights which you have shared.

This award originated from Evening Shade Morning Latte and has been awarded quite a few times since it seems.

The award is as follows: “These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind bloggers aim to find & be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated.”
The rules of the award are as follows: Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to 8 bloggers that then need to choose 8 bloggers of their own to pass the award to.Include the following text depicting the award…“Each of the following ladies, I simply love. They each have faced their own challenges in their lives & the way they encapsulate their experiences endears them greatly to my heart.”

Now I am fairly new to blogging so some of these ladies are not too familiar with me but I have been appreciating these blogs and the lovely new "friends" I am making.

And the winners are: (drum roll)

1. Bethany - Grace in Bloom is taking a well deserved blogging rest but Bethany has some excellent posts to share. I just wanted her to know how much I have been blessed and challenged by her blog :o)

2. L.Harris - Just our Thoughts. Thanks, you are my first and only follower!

3. Beyond Blue Stockings - We are new found blogging friends but Mrs BB has some great things to say on her blog. She's an Aussie too!

4. Mum-me at Our Aussie Half Dozen. Busy mum in a busy household!

5. The Vintage Rose - Now this is somewhere to visit if you want to enjoy beautiful, feminine things!

6. Lynn at Queen of the Castle Recipes has some great ideas to share. Your family will love this one too!

7. Organizing Mommy is just that! This is a great read for motivation to get organized.

8. Janne's Jabberwocky- now there's a catchy name! Another lady with lots of interesting things to say.

.

Pa! Pa? Is it really you?

Forgive me a little nostalgia trip.

It's holidays and I checked out the TV guide and found "Little House on the Prairie" advertised.

It was first out in the 70s and we had many years of reruns. When I read the books to my children, in my mind Pa looked like Michael Landon and Laura was Melissa Gilbert and so on. The characters were thoroughly embedded in my mind even though the stories on the show deviated a long way from the original books.

So what a shock to turn on the tele today! We only caught about half an hour of what is apparently a three part mini series, but I didn't recognise anyone! The names were the same - Ma and Pa, Mary and Laura, Mr Edwards, even faithful Jack - but the faces just didn't match!

Sigh.......

Could it really be over thirty years since as a young teenager we followed the lives of that American pioneering family? The shows were so different then. My hubby and I often reminisce on Kimber, the White Lion, F Troop, My favourite Martian, Adventure Island, The Banana Splits......... A much more fun and innocent era.

Well, we enjoyed the remake of Little House but please don't remake all our nostalgic shows.

I confess, I am a child of the 60s!

Homeschoolers' Picnic

With all this park area, the beach and play ground equipment, this was still a favourite place to play for the littlies!

Some of the local home schooling families met on Thursday for an end of term get together. It is always a great outing with LOTS of children, and even a few dads could make it being holidays.

Adoption

What is adoption?

Adoption is an act of God's free grace, whereby we are received into the number, and have a right to all the privileges of the sons of God.
Shorter Catechism 34 (Westminster Confession of Faith)

As we have heard teaching from 1 John 3: 1-3 on adoption, the marvel of what our great God does for his people has truly hit me. That God, who has no need of us, adopts us as his own. Not just to serve him but to be his child.
Pastor used these three heads to explain the verses:
v1 The wonder of Adoption
v2 The splendour involved
v3 The fervour it creates within us

My thoughts
Sometimes we become blase about our privileges as the children of God. Sometimes we focus too much on nick picking details and become overly critical of others. We can tend to miss the beauty and wonder of the basic teachings of scripture. If one has been called and justified then he is adopted and being sanctified. One day he shall be glorified! It is indeed a wonder to be called the sons of God and to think upon, to envision, what eternity will be like in his presence. I came home thinking too of the loved ones who have died in the Lord and are already in glory! All this, the hope we have, should increase our zeal to serve him in this life and long for our eternal home.

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.
Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not ye appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure."
1 Peter 3 : 1-3

Psalm 22

My God, my God, why hast thou me

forsaken? why so far

Art thou from helping me, and from

my words that roaring are?

All day, my God, to thee I cry,

yet am not heard by thee;

and in the season of the night

I cannot silent be.

(Verses 1 & 2)

Their mouth they open'd wide on me,

upon me gape did they.

Like to a lion ravening

and roaring for his prey.

Like water I'm pour'd out, my bones

all out of joint do part:

amidst my bowels, as the wax,

so melted is my heart.

My strength is like a potsherd dry'd;

my tongue it cleaveth fast

Unto my jaws; and to the dust

of death thou brought me hast.

For dogs have compass'd me about:

the wicked, that did meet

In their assembly, me inclos'd;

they pierc'd my hands and feet.

I all my bones may tell; they do

upon me look and stare.

Upon my vesture lots they cast,

and clothes among them share.

But be not far, O Lord, my strength;

haste to give help to me.

From sword my soul, from pow'r of dogs

my darling set thou free.

(Verses 13 - 20)

All ends of th' earth remember shall,

and turn the Lord unto;

all kindreds of the nations

to him shall homage do:

Because the kingdom to the Lord

doth appertain as his;

Likewise among the nations

the Governor he is.

(Verses 27 & 28)

They shall come, and they shall declare

his truth and righteousness

Unto the people yet unborn,

and that he hath done this.

(Verse 31)

Scottish Metrical Version

Sister Golden Hair

Twenty-one years ago today, my older daughter was born!

Can the years have flown by so quickly? Like all my babies, she was born with a mop of black hair. Look at her here. Such a sweet cherub. What a blessing this child has been.

Having lost our first baby, it was scary waiting to give birth to No 2, but so exciting when she was born safe and well at 36+ weeks.

Although I was an aunty many times over and had younger siblings, plus worked with littlies I was nervous and uncertain taking her home. Feeding was excruciatingly painful at first, but we soon settled into a long, and happy nursing relationship.

This daughter grew into a typical oldest child. Quick to pick things up, walking, talking early. Once her sister was born she was definitely the leader. She took on responsibility well and became very capable and reliable. She was very relaxed about things like clothing and hair and is still very natural to this day.

Later, she was one of those children who would do anything I asked her to, but was too laid back to notice much that needed to be done for herself. She has her own home now and certainly sees and does everything very nicely. She says it is different when it is your own and I suppose she is right.

One of her lovely traits is that she can talk equally well with the elderly as with her peers. She actually did voluntary work at the nearby Nursing Home as a fifteen year old. Though she found the dementia patients hard going, she handled the old people well. She has always loved children and got on well with them. She worked in child care for some time. As a child around ten, she was the story teller among her little friends. Sometimes we'd be going somewhere with another family and she would be in the back of the van with an enraptured audience of children listening to her tales. She has always been an animal lover, especially dogs and horses.

My number one girl is now a mother herself! How quickly my baby has grown up. She is still loving and capable and is turning out to be a great little mother. She has always been and still is a wonderful blessing bestowed on us by God.

I refer to her as Sister Golden Hair because she has lovely long brown hair which has unusual golden blond to reddish natural streaks. The song Sister Golden Hair Surprise runs through my head often when I see it shining. I never knew all of the words but I would tell her, "I keep on thinkin' 'bout you, sister golden hair surprise. And I just can't live without you, can't you see it in my eyes?"

This daughter has had her share of difficult times. As parents we try to give our children Roots and Wings. Roots that grow down deep, like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that keep them grounded and strong. Roots we pray that are firmly planted in the things of God. And wings, to spread out and reach for dreams and goals beyond anything which we ourselves ever aspired to or imagined.

The teacher delights in the students achievements. The parents joy in the growth and maturity of their children. May it please God to call this covenant child to himself and bless her.

Today we have enjoyed a lovely family lunch out with Grandparents, an aunty, the babies! A great day with many happy memories to add to 21 years already stored away!

Happy Birthday, Sister Golden Hair!!

Edit 7~4~2010.

This beautiful and capable daughter is now the mother of two precious sons and step mother to one little girl. As she said to me recently, "I've got a big grown up life now, Mum."

Thank you Lord for her. Bless her and keep her and her family and may she remember her Creator in the days of her youth.

Calling Evil Good

This is truly shocking and heart breaking. God have mercy on us.
As posted on Family Reformation today but widely commented on the web.
An excerpt from a "sermon" by Kathrine Ragsdale, http://familyreformation.wordpress.com/2009/04/02/abortion-a-blessing/

www as entertainment

An excellent observation by Tim Challies, Evil as Entertainment http://www.challies.com/archives/articles/evil-as-entertainment.php

It's worth looking at and giving some thought to.

Making Peace

"Blessed are the peacemakers for they shall see God."
Matthew 5:9

Pastor again taught the quality described in the beatitude, with plenty of food for thought on not seeking peace at any cost, standing firm and uncompromising in the truth etc. Men who are at peace with God can also be at peace with themselves and with the world. Our Old Testament reading was from Jeremiah 29: 1-14, demonstrating the command to live at peace with those around them. We looked at our Lord, the Prince of Peace who in fact brought a sword.

Many aspects brought up here and all worthy of deeper thought but I found this most helpful for me to take away. The New Testament Reading was Philemon and this gives us a frame work for peacemaking - mediation.



Philemon v 8 & 9: "Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient. Yet for loves sake I rather beseech thee, being such an one as Paul the aged and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ." Paul does not stand on his authority but encourages them in love rather than pressing their duty.

Philemon v 14: " But without thy mind would I do nothing, that thy benefits should not be as it were of necessity, but willingly." He gains consent of the warring parties.

Philemon v 18: "If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account." There is a cost involved in being a mediator. In this case Paul offers to bare any debt which is owed.We should not meddle unnecessarily but be prepared to put on our own account the cost of reparation when possible .

Sadly, not all conflicts I have been involved in have been biblically resolved and this leaves a scar, even after years have passed. Sometimes now, as a more mature christian I find myself in a situation where I am trying to smooth the ripples between sisters (mainly). These points from Philemon are useful to keep in mind in situations like this. Often we insist upon the duty required of us instead of making a more heartfelt appeal. Or perhaps we stay out of it, not prepared to count the cost.

As we become older and, Lord willing wiser, I think we see more and more how often strife between the brethren is not over foundational issues of doctrine and practice, so much as petty grievances and dare I say jealously and pride. If we put aside all malice and hatred as directed by Peter and desire the pure milk of the Word because of the goodness God has bestowed on us, we can enjoy fellowship and peace within the church.

It is so imperative to know God's Word and the principles set down for us as shown here, in all the situations which we encounter in our earthly walk.



"For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. Let him eschew evil, and do good: let him seek peace, and ensue it." 1 Peter 3: 10,11

Aussie Sunset

The beautiful sunset scene I drove into a couple of days ago, just out of town.


I love the Australian Bush!

First Term in Review

In all honesty the first term of the school year has gone by so quickly, I feel we have scarcely hit our stride. I've had mixed feelings about some of the difficulties we've had, both the boys and I, and ended the term with a determination to try something different (again) in second term.

Because we are using "Support material" to assist in the auditory processing struggles, our days have fallen into a rather less structured pattern than my previous years of schooling. This has good points and bad.

PROS: The boys can work on activities at their own level and we are seeing (very slow but sure) progress.

They can work in shortish bursts which is helpful for their concentration spans.

They can major on phonics and reading, which is the vital skill they have not mastered, and the most foundational.

We can do manual, physical things often, which is so necessary for them both.

CONS: They are getting to an age where they are acutely aware of their lack of reading ability and starting to find ways of dodging tricky situations eg. having to read aloud in a group situation.

They are longing to get back to more structured workbooks.

They want to be able to get in and do work without my being there which cannot happen at present.

I fear they are loosing some of their natural curiosity and love of learning.

They end up some days at a bit of loose end.

IDEAS FOR TERM 2: Both teacher and students will benefit from some meeting half way.

We'll continue with the activities suggested by the Speech Pathologist and the Distance Ed teachers but spend a couple of short sessions a day on them only.

We'll return to their former Maths (Math-U-See), English (Llatl),.While it is well below their age level, by going back where we left off over a year ago it is close to their reading and comprehension levels.

Bible, Memory work, Science, and Social Studies will stay much the same.

Continue cooking sessions with JJ.

As much hands on time with dad outside.

Seeking other manual type instruction as this is going to be the best avenue for them.

ABOVE ALL: Seek first the kingdom of God, do all to his glory, find our joy and strength in Him.

TERM HIGHLIGHTS: Noticeable improvement in reading confidence.

Basketball

Swimming

Soapbox

I am not really a politically minded body. I like to think I am intelligent (please let me think that!) and can keep up with what's going on in the world but a lot of days I crash into bed at night knowing nothing of world events, or national for that matter, of the day. Since most of the sites I frequent and blogs I read are USA based I probably read more about Barack Obama than I do our own PM, Kevin Rudd. (Yes, I know his name!)

Yesterday I heard two items which tickled me.

Julia Gillard (our deputy PM) makes an all time classic understatement. "It appears from these latest figures that the Stimulation Packages have not had the anticipated effect on our economy."

Duh! $42 billion debt to be carried not only by our tax payers but our children and perhaps their children. INCREDIBLE!!!

Ironically we heard today that the government is considering further Economic Stimulus Packages if they are required.:o(

Later, driving in the car I caught the end of an interview. The radio host was questioning an activist campaigning for six months paid parental leave for either the new mum or dad. She argued that it was vitally important for the child to have one parent care for them in the first six months of life and that the government should fund these families to enable working women and men to stay home after the baby's birth and return to work after six months.

The host questioned whether stay-at-home-mums would also receive six months pay, as they had all the same pressures financially, if not more so since their families work on one income all the time. Ms Campaigner mumbled something about her role only being on behalf of working parents.

The host thanked her and said good night but in signing off to the audience he remarked that it gave some food for thought who was deciding which group is more worthy. Radio hosts are often brash and opinionated but sometimes they hit on a good point.

For non Aussie readers: Australia has an amazing welfare system. One which surely can not be sustained through and after the current economic crisis. Old aged pensions have sadly barely enough to live on, but many other recipients do very well. I must say, we have benefited quite a lot over the years, as low income families with children are catered for well. Applicable to this tidbit though is that the New Baby bonus has risen to $5,000 per child. So unless one is on a very high annual income new parents already get a certain amount. Dependence on the government for survival has been the fruit of this over indulgent welfare system.

"....that if any would not work, neither should he eat."

2 Thessalonians 3:10

Into the Bowels of the Earth

Excursion through The Caves system with the local homeschoolers.

Inside the Cathedral Cave. (Top)

Access has been improved and weddings and concerts are sometimes performed here. It holds about 60. The tour guide turned the lights off for several minutes and we sat in total darkness. This was to show the children what it was like for cavers before electric lighting was installed. It has been done very effectively using a lot of natural nooks and crannies.(below)

The owners have also built a labyrinth of ladders, bridges and walkways which make the tour accessable even to non - cavers (such as myself). They gave the children choices of an exit adventure too which was great!

Photographs taken November 2008

The Heavens Declare ....

Spectacular evening sky after a storm!

There was actually a rainbow only minutes before but I was so rapt in the glorious sky I was too late with the camera. You can just make out the fading colours on the bottom left.

Taken 30March, 2009

"Praise ye him, sun and moon: praise him, all ye stars of light, praise him, ye heavens of heavens, and ye waters that be above the heavens." Psalm 148:3.4

.